The public is invited to free star gazing during Astro Night at Fort Hays State University, 8:30-10:30 p.m., Fri., March 13.

Locations are on the decks of Tomanek Hall, Albertson Hall and Schmidt Foundation Center for Art &amp; Design building.

Sponsored by FHSU Science and Mathematics Education Institute, Physics Department, and FHSU and Art and Design.

Call 785-628-5344 for more information.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583863505574.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU The public is invited to free star gazing during Astro Night at Fort Hays State University, 8:30-10:30 p.m., Fri., March 13.Locations are on the decks of Tomanek Hall, Albertson Hall and Schmidt Foundation Center for Art &amp; Design building.Free public viewing of:<ol>
 <li>Orion Nebula</li><li>Pleiades open star cluster</li><li>Venus</li>
 </ol>Sponsored by FHSU Science and Mathematics Education Institute, Physics Department, and FHSU and Art and Design.Call 785-628-5344 for more information.&nbsp;

Gaze at the stars Friday at FHSU

UPDATE 8:45 p.m. Thursday: According to the Kansas High School Activities Association <a href="http://www.kshsaa.org/">website</a>, "After the conclusion of the quarterfinal round, the 2020 KSHSAA State Basketball Tournament will be canceled. Given the escalating concerns regarding COVID-19, the best decision for the safety of the student-athletes and spectators was to cancel the remainder of this championship tournament. The KSHSAA regrets the lost opportunity for teams and players that have worked to achieve their goals."

Currently all tournament sites are proceeding as scheduled with fans.  We encourage everyone attending a state basketball tournament to continue to take the proper precautions in preventing illness transmission including proper and frequent hand washing with soap or sanitizer, covering the face when coughing or sneezing and keeping your hands away from your face.  Anyone who is feeling sick or suffers from a significant health issue should stay home. 

KSHSAA is continuing to monitor the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas State Department of Education regarding the rapidly evolving coronavirus situation. 

 All state basketball tournament sites are working diligently and taking additional precautions to provide the safest possible environment for the teams, fans and workers.   We will continue to monitor new information from our public health organizations as it becomes available and make any changes to the state basketball tournaments if needed.  Any updates will be provided at www.kshsaa.org and through Twitter (@KSHSAA). 


<a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/index.htm">KDHE COVID-19 Resource Center</a>

<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html">CDC Coronavirus Information</a>

UPDATE 8:45 p.m. Thursday: According to the Kansas High School Activities Association <a href="http://www.kshsaa.org/">website</a>, "After the conclusion of the quarterfinal round, the 2020 KSHSAA State Basketball Tournament will be canceled. Given the escalating concerns regarding COVID-19, the best decision for the safety of the student-athletes and spectators was to cancel the remainder of this championship tournament. The KSHSAA regrets the lost opportunity for teams and players that have worked to achieve their goals."KSHSAACurrently all tournament sites are proceeding as scheduled with fans. We encourage everyone attending a state basketball tournament to continue to take the proper precautions in preventing illness transmission including proper and frequent hand washing with soap or sanitizer, covering the face when coughing or sneezing and keeping your hands away from your face. Anyone who is feeling sick or suffers from a significant health issue should stay home. KSHSAA is continuing to monitor the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas State Department of Education regarding the rapidly evolving coronavirus situation. All state basketball tournament sites are working diligently and taking additional precautions to provide the safest possible environment for the teams, fans and workers. We will continue to monitor new information from our public health organizations as it becomes available and make any changes to the state basketball tournaments if needed. Any updates will be provided at www.kshsaa.org and through Twitter (@KSHSAA). 
Additional Resources: <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/index.htm">KDHE COVID-19 Resource Center</a><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html">CDC Coronavirus Information</a>

UPDATE: KSHSAA cancels tournaments



INDIANAPOLIS - On Tuesday afternoon (March 11, 2020, NCAA President Mark Emmert released the following statement on attendance for all upcoming NCAA Championship events.

"The NCAA continues to assess the impact of COVID-19 in consultation with public health officials and our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.org/node/28911">COVID-19 advisory panel</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/statement-ncaa-covid-19-advisory-panel-ncaa-events">Based on their advice</a>&nbsp;and my discussions with the NCAA Board of Governors,&nbsp;I have made the decision to conduct our upcoming championship events, including the Division I men's and women's basketball tournaments, with only essential staff and limited family attendance.&nbsp;While I understand how disappointing this is for all fans of our sports, my decision is based on the current understanding of how COVID-19 is progressing in the United States. This decision is in the best interest of public health, including that of coaches, administrators, fans and, most importantly, our student-athletes. We recognize the opportunity to compete in an NCAA national championship is an experience of a lifetime for the students and their families. Today, we will move forward and conduct championships consistent with the current information and will continue to monitor and make adjustments as needed."

The NCAA President's statement encompasses all NCAA levels (I, II, and III, effective immediately. This includes all winter championship events. Fort Hays State University is competing in three of the championships this weekend, which includes the Central Regional of the NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Championship in Warrensburg, Mo., the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships in Sioux Falls, S.D., and the NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Championships in Birmingham, Ala.

Fort Hays State University Athletics will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.



FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION

INDIANAPOLIS - On Tuesday afternoon (March 11, 2020, NCAA President Mark Emmert released the following statement on attendance for all upcoming NCAA Championship events."The NCAA continues to assess the impact of COVID-19 in consultation with public health officials and our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.org/node/28911">COVID-19 advisory panel</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/statement-ncaa-covid-19-advisory-panel-ncaa-events">Based on their advice</a>&nbsp;and my discussions with the NCAA Board of Governors,&nbsp;I have made the decision to conduct our upcoming championship events, including the Division I men's and women's basketball tournaments, with only essential staff and limited family attendance.&nbsp;While I understand how disappointing this is for all fans of our sports, my decision is based on the current understanding of how COVID-19 is progressing in the United States. This decision is in the best interest of public health, including that of coaches, administrators, fans and, most importantly, our student-athletes. We recognize the opportunity to compete in an NCAA national championship is an experience of a lifetime for the students and their families. Today, we will move forward and conduct championships consistent with the current information and will continue to monitor and make adjustments as needed."The NCAA President's statement encompasses all NCAA levels (I, II, and III, effective immediately. This includes all winter championship events. Fort Hays State University is competing in three of the championships this weekend, which includes the Central Regional of the NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Championship in Warrensburg, Mo., the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships in Sioux Falls, S.D., and the NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Championships in Birmingham, Ala.Fort Hays State University Athletics will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.

NCAA limits attendance at FHSU postseason events

Health care a deciding factor in Kelly's pick    

By NOMIN UJIYEDIIN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/health-care-deciding-factor-gov-kellys-kansas-supreme-court-pick#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>

Gov. Laura Kelly appointed lawyer Keynen “KJ” Wall to the Kansas Supreme Court on Wednesday.

Wall will fill the seat of former Justice Lawton Nuss, who <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-chief-justice-retiring-after-tenure-included-landmark-education-and-abortion-cases#stream/0">retired in December</a>
 after more than 17 years leading the court as chief justice. It’s 
Kelly’s second appointment to the state’s highest court since she took 
office.

Wall, a 49-year-old from Lawrence, was chosen because of his experience and demeanor, Kelly said.

“KJ
 has seen the issues affecting our health care system and has appeared 
before courts across the state,” she said during a news conference.

Wall
 is a partner at the Forbes Law Group in Overland Park, and specializes 
in health care litigation — representing rural hospitals, community 
mental health centers and behavioral health providers.

The 
Lawrence resident grew up in Scott City in rural western Kansas, later 
graduating from Kansas State University in 1993 and the University of 
Kansas School of Law in 2001.

He clerked for U.S. District Court 
Judge John W. Lungstrum and worked as a lawyer in Colorado and Minnesota
 before serving as a Deputy General Counsel at the Kansas Supreme Court 
from 2013 to 2015.

Wall credited Nuss and Lungstrum with mentoring him throughout his career.

“I
 was always amazed at their dedication to deciding every case based on 
its merits, without consideration or influence from any outside 
factors,” he said. “I fully intend to do the same.”

Seventeen 
people applied for the vacant Supreme Court seat. The Supreme Court 
Nominating Commission submits three nominees to the governor, who then 
has 60 days to appoint one of the nominees.

After new justices’ 
first year in office, the public votes in the next general election on 
whether to keep them on the court. If justices are retained, they face 
public votes every six years.

Kelly’s other state Supreme Court appointment, Justice Evelyn Wilson, faced <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-has-new-supreme-court-justice-and-abortion-opponents-arent-happy#stream/0" target="_blank">criticism</a> from conservative lawmakers and lobbyist groups over her husband’s campaign contributions to abortion rights groups.

Nomin
 Ujiyediin reports on criminal justice and social welfare for KCUR and 
the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/nominuj" target="_blank">@NominUJ</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583953481575.png" alt=" Gov. Laura Kelly appointed KJ Wall to the state Supreme Court at a news conference on Wednesday. Nomin Ujiyediin / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Gov. Laura Kelly appointed KJ Wall to the state Supreme Court at a news conference on Wednesday. Nomin Ujiyediin / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Health care a deciding factor in Kelly's pick </h2>By NOMIN UJIYEDIIN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/health-care-deciding-factor-gov-kellys-kansas-supreme-court-pick#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>Gov. Laura Kelly appointed lawyer Keynen “KJ” Wall to the Kansas Supreme Court on Wednesday.Wall will fill the seat of former Justice Lawton Nuss, who <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-chief-justice-retiring-after-tenure-included-landmark-education-and-abortion-cases#stream/0">retired in December</a>
 after more than 17 years leading the court as chief justice. It’s 
Kelly’s second appointment to the state’s highest court since she took 
office.Wall, a 49-year-old from Lawrence, was chosen because of his experience and demeanor, Kelly said.“KJ
 has seen the issues affecting our health care system and has appeared 
before courts across the state,” she said during a news conference.Wall
 is a partner at the Forbes Law Group in Overland Park, and specializes 
in health care litigation — representing rural hospitals, community 
mental health centers and behavioral health providers.The 
Lawrence resident grew up in Scott City in rural western Kansas, later 
graduating from Kansas State University in 1993 and the University of 
Kansas School of Law in 2001.He clerked for U.S. District Court 
Judge John W. Lungstrum and worked as a lawyer in Colorado and Minnesota
 before serving as a Deputy General Counsel at the Kansas Supreme Court 
from 2013 to 2015.Wall credited Nuss and Lungstrum with mentoring him throughout his career.“I
 was always amazed at their dedication to deciding every case based on 
its merits, without consideration or influence from any outside 
factors,” he said. “I fully intend to do the same.”Seventeen 
people applied for the vacant Supreme Court seat. The Supreme Court 
Nominating Commission submits three nominees to the governor, who then 
has 60 days to appoint one of the nominees.After new justices’ 
first year in office, the public votes in the next general election on 
whether to keep them on the court. If justices are retained, they face 
public votes every six years.Kelly’s other state Supreme Court appointment, Justice Evelyn Wilson, faced <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-has-new-supreme-court-justice-and-abortion-opponents-arent-happy#stream/0" target="_blank">criticism</a> from conservative lawmakers and lobbyist groups over her husband’s campaign contributions to abortion rights groups.Nomin
 Ujiyediin reports on criminal justice and social welfare for KCUR and 
the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/nominuj" target="_blank">@NominUJ</a>.

Newest Kan. Supreme Court justice grew up in Scott City

Event will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Hays VFW.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583937130669.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Event will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Hays VFW.

Proposed county sales tax meeting in Hays

Two Summer Extension Intern positions — one position based at Cottonwood-Hays and one at Cottonwood-Great Bend office. Up to 10 weeks (400 hours, competitive pay.&nbsp; Includes some evenings, weekends; some outside physical labor, duties at County Fair.&nbsp; Must have completed at least four college semesters.&nbsp; 

To see the full position announcement, visit&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cottonwood.ksu.edu">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a>

Applications due April 3 to 601 Main Street, Hays, 785-628-9430 or 1800 12th Street, Great Bend, 620-793-1910. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578410575035.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Two Summer Extension Intern positions — one position based at Cottonwood-Hays and one at Cottonwood-Great Bend office. Up to 10 weeks (400 hours, competitive pay.&nbsp; Includes some evenings, weekends; some outside physical labor, duties at County Fair.&nbsp; Must have completed at least four college semesters.&nbsp; To see the full position announcement, visit&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cottonwood.ksu.edu">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a>Applications due April 3 to 601 Main Street, Hays, 785-628-9430 or 1800 12th Street, Great Bend, 620-793-1910. &nbsp;

FHSU students welcome younger siblings  to campus for a weekend of fun 

BY CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays school board's&nbsp;architectural firm, DLR, is recommending a state of the district survey prior to any more work on a bond issue.

The board heard a presentation from DLR on Monday night about the services it would provide if the district decides to move forward with another bond attempt.

The district used DLR in a failed bond attempt in 2017. The district also had a failed bond attempt in 2016.

Under its contract with the district, DLR has an opportunity to be a part of two more bond attempts. As part of that contract, DLR has not charged the district for services thus far.

"One of the things we have learned, unfortunately the hard way, when there is a failed bond, it really is a good time to step back and do a little bit of post-bond surveying or conversation with your community," said Kevin Greischar, principal architect K-12 education leader for DLR.

Stephanie Meyer is the education funding specialists with DLR, which is a new full-time marketing position with the company since Hays' last bond issue.

A state of the district survey would set a baseline for what the community thinks at large about the district and if there are any pressure points, she said.

The survey could also ask residents about what they thought about the last bond issue and if they are open to another bond attempt, she said.

DLR is proposing a format similar to the last bond issue for building a new proposal. This would include a team of administrators, a team of student and teachers and a community team providing input on the project.

"Typically it is a process for us to educate everyone about the conditions of the buildings," Greischar said. "You have been going through buildings since you have been on the board this year and maybe even before. ...

"You're getting educated, but most times the community drives by their buildings if they went there or if they took their kids there. They look the same since they were there, so they&nbsp; think they must be in good shape."

However, Greischar said the community doesn't see the rusted pipes as the board saw on Monday night during a tour of Roosevelt Elementary School.

He said it is important to talk about what the educational space for USD 489 needs to look like.

"It doesn't look like 30 chairs in a classroom looking at a chalkboard with a teacher behind a desk,"&nbsp;Greischar said.

Board member Lori Hertel said the focus must be on the needs of kids.

"There has got to be a way to draw that passion out of individuals that this is about the pipes but it is also about the children," she said. "Everything is about children in some way. We have to instill that in what we develop. ... 

"It is not about us. It is not about the community members. It is about the children who are learning in these buildings."

Greischar said DLR has done research and found student and teacher engagement was most dependent on well being. That includes not being too hot or too cold, an issues that has been a problem across district buildings.

Board member Tammy Wellbrock asked how DLR would incorporate economic development into a bond campaign.

Greischar said DLR has been tracking home values, median income and enrollment in communities that have completed large bond issues in the last 10 years, including El Dorado, Dodge City and Liberal.

In all of those communities, those measures increased after the bond construction was finished, he said.

Tom Wasinger, community member&nbsp; and member of the 2017 bond Vision Team, addressed the board at the meeting Monday on what he saw as some of the failings of the last bond issue.

Wasinger strongly recommended the board not conduct a school bond survey until after the vote on two county-wide sales taxes. Ballots will be mailed at the end of this month on the county tax questions. They are due back to the county clerk's office by April 7.

Wasinger said he did not think DLR understood the nature of Ellis County politics during the last election.

In 2017, Wasinger said he thought the district ignored their poll data and rushed the process.

Wasinger voted against the proposal that the rest of the Vision Team ultimately recommended to the school board.&nbsp;

He said there is a need to have more people on the community group that are not solidly behind a bond.

"The balance was so off. There was no way that people who had a different opinion could get any traction," Wasinger said of the 2017 Vision Team.

However, he said he did not know if it was possible to find people in opposition who would be willing to sit through the hours of bond meetings.

Wasinger said he thinks the district needs another approach to the community member piece of the bond process.

Board member Craig Pallister emphasized DLR was visiting with the board as a very preliminary piece of developing a bond issue. He said the board and administration would need to do much more studying before it takes on any proposal.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581437767315.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays school board's&nbsp;architectural firm, DLR, is recommending a state of the district survey prior to any more work on a bond issue.The board heard a presentation from DLR on Monday night about the services it would provide if the district decides to move forward with another bond attempt.The district used DLR in a failed bond attempt in 2017. The district also had a failed bond attempt in 2016.Under its contract with the district, DLR has an opportunity to be a part of two more bond attempts. As part of that contract, DLR has not charged the district for services thus far."One of the things we have learned, unfortunately the hard way, when there is a failed bond, it really is a good time to step back and do a little bit of post-bond surveying or conversation with your community," said Kevin Greischar, principal architect K-12 education leader for DLR.Stephanie Meyer is the education funding specialists with DLR, which is a new full-time marketing position with the company since Hays' last bond issue.A state of the district survey would set a baseline for what the community thinks at large about the district and if there are any pressure points, she said.The survey could also ask residents about what they thought about the last bond issue and if they are open to another bond attempt, she said.DLR is proposing a format similar to the last bond issue for building a new proposal. This would include a team of administrators, a team of student and teachers and a community team providing input on the project."Typically it is a process for us to educate everyone about the conditions of the buildings," Greischar said. "You have been going through buildings since you have been on the board this year and maybe even before. ..."You're getting educated, but most times the community drives by their buildings if they went there or if they took their kids there. They look the same since they were there, so they&nbsp; think they must be in good shape."However, Greischar said the community doesn't see the rusted pipes as the board saw on Monday night during a tour of Roosevelt Elementary School.He said it is important to talk about what the educational space for USD 489 needs to look like."It doesn't look like 30 chairs in a classroom looking at a chalkboard with a teacher behind a desk,"&nbsp;Greischar said.Board member Lori Hertel said the focus must be on the needs of kids."There has got to be a way to draw that passion out of individuals that this is about the pipes but it is also about the children," she said. "Everything is about children in some way. We have to instill that in what we develop. ... "It is not about us. It is not about the community members. It is about the children who are learning in these buildings."Greischar said DLR has done research and found student and teacher engagement was most dependent on well being. That includes not being too hot or too cold, an issues that has been a problem across district buildings.Board member Tammy Wellbrock asked how DLR would incorporate economic development into a bond campaign.Greischar said DLR has been tracking home values, median income and enrollment in communities that have completed large bond issues in the last 10 years, including El Dorado, Dodge City and Liberal.In all of those communities, those measures increased after the bond construction was finished, he said.Tom Wasinger, community member&nbsp; and member of the 2017 bond Vision Team, addressed the board at the meeting Monday on what he saw as some of the failings of the last bond issue.Wasinger strongly recommended the board not conduct a school bond survey until after the vote on two county-wide sales taxes. Ballots will be mailed at the end of this month on the county tax questions. They are due back to the county clerk's office by April 7.Wasinger said he did not think DLR understood the nature of Ellis County politics during the last election.In 2017, Wasinger said he thought the district ignored their poll data and rushed the process.Wasinger voted against the proposal that the rest of the Vision Team ultimately recommended to the school board.&nbsp;He said there is a need to have more people on the community group that are not solidly behind a bond."The balance was so off. There was no way that people who had a different opinion could get any traction," Wasinger said of the 2017 Vision Team.However, he said he did not know if it was possible to find people in opposition who would be willing to sit through the hours of bond meetings.Wasinger said he thinks the district needs another approach to the community member piece of the bond process.Board member Craig Pallister emphasized DLR was visiting with the board as a very preliminary piece of developing a bond issue. He said the board and administration would need to do much more studying before it takes on any proposal.

Architect suggests 'state of district' survey prior to Hays USD 489 bond attempt

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/thcoks/?__tn__=kCH-R&amp;eid=ARA4c99jwbKf031ZNdpbpw1KrjIwSd3b5ZRgGujuS-qOYsBoIWd3BNdPVRVGlXZMw1vfUMd47oBg07wC&amp;hc_ref=ARR_Igol2mq7ZhKL8rAM40qnFtsfDL5ecidHkDjljRfShMqnLHTShL4bYjHk29zCmnc&amp;fref=nf&amp;__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARDjToLd0ElwNyBjJG3M-sJy2NCoaEq6Qyit1wpRFUDL-18ib4YDdJcYES2mOHzjsSTXKTHXz-MitfNwyM2Cnco0B0VnN4wAaimrChc-uxEhye3Mxi_qlRkk8eG72Yb-IHnebLiOw4SINFiajWMb3A2vTySQWknqDPw6jyKfBTIe1azbOlCWpcwr8Gwb-RHqw4uuIPIBeZT7iFmZvxbo62CM8CwZG4bLIIz5X27l_KR8XvIgEbnBLX2nxvTaxp_I-4pleDo-EUbLTbD95SWNrT1VGS2Yx7-LogmKdulpfcIQe92CfOPUZty95nJJB_w0r-GFgdN_9hdM-DHuzmTWHydpRJyCtpmhG5yyj-CKT-n3njesu_2O7gmYmvcgsMnXstaYvqhS6qX78bbtmB1WignuTW9XSfBMx6-OpEEKUX1mLMwqyeno5oIUqU7ZkBAgJz4MXn6-FmOowFoyNRBQ_7Ky23q6WhpN4F9GFzQfB3CVI6C0hWlk1s1u">Thomas County Emergency Management Kansas</a>

 The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and the Kansas Forest
 Service in cooperation with local City Departments, Thomas County 
Departments and other agencies are planning to conduct a prescribed burn
 at the Jack Kriss Natural Area between March and April. No tentative 
date has been set yet as the burn is weather permitted. All burning 
depends on weather and air quality conditions that are favorable for 
smoke dispersal. If the conditions such as weather or vegetation are not
 conducive for burning, the burn will be rescheduled. Updated 
information will be released as it comes available. 


 Areas of impact may include: La Hacienda Dr, La Casa Dr, El Rancho Dr, 
Cottonwood Dr, and Cottonwood just North of the prescribed burn. 
Properties along west 7th from Range, towards the Railroad tracks to the
 North. Hwy 25 from the Railroad tracks to Veterans Memorial Dr. 


 Prescribed burns are used as a land and habitat management tool in a 
predetermined area. Prescribed burns are a cost effective and can be 
used on a variety of habitats including grassland, woodland and 
wet-land. The main objective of this prescribed burn is to improve 
wildlife habitat by setting back the successional stage of the plant 
community, improving structure, controlling undesirable vegetation, and 
reducing wildfire hazard. Time of year (season) and frequency of fire 
(time since last burned) are major considerations when planning a 
prescribed burn.

 The Jack Kriss Natural Area will be closed to 
the public during the burn and for several days following the conclusion
 of the burn. This includes driveways, parking areas, natural area, 
refuge and trails. This is for safety of the public and the responders 
conducting the burn. It is important that the area is kept clear, so 
that movement of equipment isn’t impeded. Fire suppression and medical 
equipment will be staged in the vicinity during the days of the 
prescribed burn. 

 If you have any questions or concerns you may 
call the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Colby office 
at 785-462-3367.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579893066700.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.facebook.com/thcoks/?__tn__=kCH-R&amp;eid=ARA4c99jwbKf031ZNdpbpw1KrjIwSd3b5ZRgGujuS-qOYsBoIWd3BNdPVRVGlXZMw1vfUMd47oBg07wC&amp;hc_ref=ARR_Igol2mq7ZhKL8rAM40qnFtsfDL5ecidHkDjljRfShMqnLHTShL4bYjHk29zCmnc&amp;fref=nf&amp;__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARDjToLd0ElwNyBjJG3M-sJy2NCoaEq6Qyit1wpRFUDL-18ib4YDdJcYES2mOHzjsSTXKTHXz-MitfNwyM2Cnco0B0VnN4wAaimrChc-uxEhye3Mxi_qlRkk8eG72Yb-IHnebLiOw4SINFiajWMb3A2vTySQWknqDPw6jyKfBTIe1azbOlCWpcwr8Gwb-RHqw4uuIPIBeZT7iFmZvxbo62CM8CwZG4bLIIz5X27l_KR8XvIgEbnBLX2nxvTaxp_I-4pleDo-EUbLTbD95SWNrT1VGS2Yx7-LogmKdulpfcIQe92CfOPUZty95nJJB_w0r-GFgdN_9hdM-DHuzmTWHydpRJyCtpmhG5yyj-CKT-n3njesu_2O7gmYmvcgsMnXstaYvqhS6qX78bbtmB1WignuTW9XSfBMx6-OpEEKUX1mLMwqyeno5oIUqU7ZkBAgJz4MXn6-FmOowFoyNRBQ_7Ky23q6WhpN4F9GFzQfB3CVI6C0hWlk1s1u">Thomas County Emergency Management Kansas</a> The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and the Kansas Forest
 Service in cooperation with local City Departments, Thomas County 
Departments and other agencies are planning to conduct a prescribed burn
 at the Jack Kriss Natural Area between March and April. No tentative 
date has been set yet as the burn is weather permitted. All burning 
depends on weather and air quality conditions that are favorable for 
smoke dispersal. If the conditions such as weather or vegetation are not
 conducive for burning, the burn will be rescheduled. Updated 
information will be released as it comes available. 
 Areas of impact may include: La Hacienda Dr, La Casa Dr, El Rancho Dr, 
Cottonwood Dr, and Cottonwood just North of the prescribed burn. 
Properties along west 7th from Range, towards the Railroad tracks to the
 North. Hwy 25 from the Railroad tracks to Veterans Memorial Dr. 
 Prescribed burns are used as a land and habitat management tool in a 
predetermined area. Prescribed burns are a cost effective and can be 
used on a variety of habitats including grassland, woodland and 
wet-land. The main objective of this prescribed burn is to improve 
wildlife habitat by setting back the successional stage of the plant 
community, improving structure, controlling undesirable vegetation, and 
reducing wildfire hazard. Time of year (season) and frequency of fire 
(time since last burned) are major considerations when planning a 
prescribed burn. The Jack Kriss Natural Area will be closed to 
the public during the burn and for several days following the conclusion
 of the burn. This includes driveways, parking areas, natural area, 
refuge and trails. This is for safety of the public and the responders 
conducting the burn. It is important that the area is kept clear, so 
that movement of equipment isn’t impeded. Fire suppression and medical 
equipment will be staged in the vicinity during the days of the 
prescribed burn. If you have any questions or concerns you may 
call the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Colby office 
at 785-462-3367.

Prescribed fire burns planned at Thomas Co. park

Editor's Note: Last weekend area news outlets ran a press release provided by the Rooks County Sheriff’s Department providing information on a high speed police pursuit starting in Hays and ending in Phillips County. &nbsp;Since then the Phillips County Review has uncovered additional details not provided in that initial release, and publishes them below.

By KIRBY ROSS Phillips County Review

Seven different law enforcement agencies, including the Phillips County Sheriff’s Department, were involved in an intense police chase through three counties last Friday morning.

With the early-morning felony vehicle pursuit starting in Hays and coming to an end 11 miles north of Phillipsburg, a massive hours-long manhunt then ensued for two suspects on foot as residents were warned to hunker down in their homes and consider the fugitives armed and dangerous.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

The dramatic events all began in Hays shortly after 2 a.m. when the Hays Police Department attempted to pull over a pickup which had been reported stolen out of Colorado.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

When the driver of the Dodge Ram 1500 refused to stop, a pursuit ensued that was quickly joined by the Ellis County Sheriff’s Department. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Heading north up U.S. 183 at speeds in excess of 100 mph, once the suspect vehicle reached Rooks County the Rooks County Sheriff’s Department attempted, unsuccessfully, to set up spike strips.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Now being chased by the Hays PD, the Ellis County Sheriff’s Department, and the Rooks County Sheriff’s Department, as the procession reached Plainville the Plainville Police Department joined in.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Kansas Highway Patrol also took up the pursuit, which continued north through Stockton and on into Phillips County where a Phillips County Sheriff’s deputy was able to deploy, this time successfully, spike strips south of Glade.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

However, with rims showering sparks the fleeing driver continued his attempt to escape in the partially disabled vehicle, traveling through Phillipsburg and on north of town until coming to a stop five miles south of the Nebraska state line on U.S. 183 near Fox Road.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Tires shredded and with the truck running on rims, the pickup had reached its limit at that point, where two occupants of the vehicle bailed from it and fled on foot. &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Fearing the worst from desperate fugitives, at 3:13 a.m. the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office went public, making an online post stating “Many officers from area law enforcement are assisting in the search for a male and female subject. &nbsp;Citizens in the area are asked to secure their homes and vehicles and dial 911 if they see or hear anything suspicious.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Twenty minutes later, with the massive search reaching full crescendo, the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office updated its public warning, posting the suspects’ photos and cautioning residents to consider them armed and dangerous, and to not approach them.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Joining the hunt, the Norton County Sheriff’s Department also sent deputies over to assist. &nbsp;That assistance included bringing along their infrared camera-equipped aerial drone, which was promptly deployed, focusing on the area along U.S. 183 between Eagle Road (Jerry Fisher farmstead, Fox Road, and Granite Road (Tower Hill, and on east to East 200 Road.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

With a threat of hostage-taking always being of major concern in an incident like this, the good news was the primary search area encompassed 4 square miles of generally uninhabited cropland. &nbsp;Just one occupied farmhouse was located at the far northwest corner of of the site.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Around 6:45 a.m., nearly five hours after the drama began, the drone located the &nbsp;fugitives. &nbsp;Assisted with that information law enforcement officers were able to surround the immediate area before moving in and cornering the suspects, and then taking them into custody at gunpoint.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Hays PD is holding 24-year-old Freedom R. Spinner on suspicion of fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement, felony interference with a law enforcement official and possession of stolen property. He is being held in the Ellis County jail, and the HPD is working with Colorado authorities to extradite.

“We continue to use technology to make our job safer,” Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said of the drone usage.&nbsp; “I am extremely grateful for the cooperation of all of the northwest Kansas law enforcement that participated. We all came together to solve a problem. This is a violent felon that came to our community and they all joined in to help us hold him accountable.”

The following law enforcement agencies engaged in the pursuit and/or the manhunt:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583862813236.jpeg" alt="Route of chase" />
 <figcaption>Route of chase</figcaption>
 </figure>Editor's Note: Last weekend area news outlets ran a press release provided by the Rooks County Sheriff’s Department providing information on a high speed police pursuit starting in Hays and ending in Phillips County. &nbsp;Since then the Phillips County Review has uncovered additional details not provided in that initial release, and publishes them below.By KIRBY ROSS Phillips County ReviewSeven different law enforcement agencies, including the Phillips County Sheriff’s Department, were involved in an intense police chase through three counties last Friday morning.With the early-morning felony vehicle pursuit starting in Hays and coming to an end 11 miles north of Phillipsburg, a massive hours-long manhunt then ensued for two suspects on foot as residents were warned to hunker down in their homes and consider the fugitives armed and dangerous.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The dramatic events all began in Hays shortly after 2 a.m. when the Hays Police Department attempted to pull over a pickup which had been reported stolen out of Colorado.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;When the driver of the Dodge Ram 1500 refused to stop, a pursuit ensued that was quickly joined by the Ellis County Sheriff’s Department. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Heading north up U.S. 183 at speeds in excess of 100 mph, once the suspect vehicle reached Rooks County the Rooks County Sheriff’s Department attempted, unsuccessfully, to set up spike strips.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Now being chased by the Hays PD, the Ellis County Sheriff’s Department, and the Rooks County Sheriff’s Department, as the procession reached Plainville the Plainville Police Department joined in.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;The Kansas Highway Patrol also took up the pursuit, which continued north through Stockton and on into Phillips County where a Phillips County Sheriff’s deputy was able to deploy, this time successfully, spike strips south of Glade.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;However, with rims showering sparks the fleeing driver continued his attempt to escape in the partially disabled vehicle, traveling through Phillipsburg and on north of town until coming to a stop five miles south of the Nebraska state line on U.S. 183 near Fox Road.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Tires shredded and with the truck running on rims, the pickup had reached its limit at that point, where two occupants of the vehicle bailed from it and fled on foot. &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Fearing the worst from desperate fugitives, at 3:13 a.m. the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office went public, making an online post stating “Many officers from area law enforcement are assisting in the search for a male and female subject. &nbsp;Citizens in the area are asked to secure their homes and vehicles and dial 911 if they see or hear anything suspicious.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Twenty minutes later, with the massive search reaching full crescendo, the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office updated its public warning, posting the suspects’ photos and cautioning residents to consider them armed and dangerous, and to not approach them.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583862851410.jpeg" alt="Manhunt site" />
 <figcaption>Manhunt site</figcaption>
 </figure>Joining the hunt, the Norton County Sheriff’s Department also sent deputies over to assist. &nbsp;That assistance included bringing along their infrared camera-equipped aerial drone, which was promptly deployed, focusing on the area along U.S. 183 between Eagle Road (Jerry Fisher farmstead, Fox Road, and Granite Road (Tower Hill, and on east to East 200 Road.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;With a threat of hostage-taking always being of major concern in an incident like this, the good news was the primary search area encompassed 4 square miles of generally uninhabited cropland. &nbsp;Just one occupied farmhouse was located at the far northwest corner of of the site.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583862779228.jpeg" alt="DRAMATIC FOOTAGE -- This infrared drone image shows an armed officer in tactical crouch moving in on two suspects 11 miles north of Phillipsburg early last Friday morning. Seven different law enforcement agencies were involved in their apprehension a 75-mile high speed chase. " />
 <figcaption>DRAMATIC FOOTAGE -- This infrared drone image shows an armed officer in tactical crouch moving in on two suspects 11 miles north of Phillipsburg early last Friday morning. Seven different law enforcement agencies were involved in their apprehension a 75-mile high speed chase. </figcaption>
 </figure>Around 6:45 a.m., nearly five hours after the drama began, the drone located the &nbsp;fugitives. &nbsp;Assisted with that information law enforcement officers were able to surround the immediate area before moving in and cornering the suspects, and then taking them into custody at gunpoint.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Hays PD is holding 24-year-old Freedom R. Spinner on suspicion of fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement, felony interference with a law enforcement official and possession of stolen property. He is being held in the Ellis County jail, and the HPD is working with Colorado authorities to extradite.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583871174457.png" alt="Spinner / Ellis Co. photo" />
 <figcaption>Spinner / Ellis Co. photo</figcaption>
 </figure>“We continue to use technology to make our job safer,” Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said of the drone usage.&nbsp; “I am extremely grateful for the cooperation of all of the northwest Kansas law enforcement that participated. We all came together to solve a problem. This is a violent felon that came to our community and they all joined in to help us hold him accountable.”The following law enforcement agencies engaged in the pursuit and/or the manhunt:Hays Police DepartmentEllis County Sheriff’s DepartmentRooks County Sheriff’s DepartmentPlainville Police DepartmentKansas Highway PatrolPhillips County Sheriff’s OfficeNorton County Sheriff’s Department

Additional details brought to light after wild police chase, manhunt 

By GREG DOERING, Kansas Farm Bureau

In the coming days your household will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 census. It’s part of a constitutional mandate for the federal government to count every man, woman and child living in the United States. 

This has happened every decade since the initial census in 1790, shortly after the founding of our new nation.While the Constitution only requires a simple accounting of every living soul, the census has been used since its inception to gather other vital information about the nation’s population.Federal and state officials will use the data in numerous ways, including using it to allocate spending. 

Kansas stands to receive an estimated $6 billion in federal aid over the next decade. That’s our tax money coming back to the state.Answering the census also is the first step in choosing who will represent us in Topeka and Washington, D.C. because the information is used to reapportion U.S. congressional districts and will change the boundaries of all 165 Kansas representatives and senators for the next 10 years.Of course, the census will ask how many people were living in your household on April 1, also known as Census Day. 

Other questions include queries about your age, sex, race, what type of home you live in, whether you own or rent and your phone number in case there are any questions about your responses.The census has always been about more than just counting the population. The initial 1790 questionnaire asked for the name of the head of the family and the number of people living in the home delineated by the following: free white males 16 and older; free white males younger than 16; free white females; all other free people; and slaves.

That first survey recorded nearly 4 million people living in the original 13 states plus the districts of Kentucky and Vermont, in addition to the Southwest Territory (we now call it Tennessee). It was a daunting task to count everyone in our sprawling, new nation.While we’ve stopped adding states and territories, counting all 320-plus million of us is still a major undertaking, but it’s been modified for today’s technology.

This year will be the first time you can choose to respond online or by phone. If you don’t respond, you’ll receive a paper form to complete and mail back. If you don’t respond in any fashion, there’s a good chance you’ll receive an in-person visit from a census worker sometime between May and July.Up to 10 states could lose federal representatives. Seven are expected to gain congressional seats, led by Texas and Florida with at least three and two seats, respectively. Kansas will likely maintain is delegation of four representatives, but the lines will change.If the past is prelude, Kansas’ 1st&nbsp;Congressional District, which already touches part or all of 63 counties, will become even more expansive as people continue to move east and increasingly live in metro areas.

The official count will likely show Kansas’ population grew slowly and steadily between 2010 and now to just a little over 2.9 million. Five counties – Douglas, Johnson, Sedgwick, Shawnee and Wyandotte – account for more than half of our population.That’s a sobering reminder of just how important it is for those of us in the other 100 counties to make sure we’re counted. We only get one chance every decade to say, “I’m here.” In addition to apportionment, it will play a role in state and federal policy through the allotment of tax dollars to hospitals, fire departments, roads and other projects.In short, it’s an opportunity to make sure you count.&nbsp;

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574694508756.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG DOERING, Kansas Farm BureauIn the coming days your household will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 census. It’s part of a constitutional mandate for the federal government to count every man, woman and child living in the United States. This has happened every decade since the initial census in 1790, shortly after the founding of our new nation.While the Constitution only requires a simple accounting of every living soul, the census has been used since its inception to gather other vital information about the nation’s population.Federal and state officials will use the data in numerous ways, including using it to allocate spending. Kansas stands to receive an estimated $6 billion in federal aid over the next decade. That’s our tax money coming back to the state.Answering the census also is the first step in choosing who will represent us in Topeka and Washington, D.C. because the information is used to reapportion U.S. congressional districts and will change the boundaries of all 165 Kansas representatives and senators for the next 10 years.Of course, the census will ask how many people were living in your household on April 1, also known as Census Day. Other questions include queries about your age, sex, race, what type of home you live in, whether you own or rent and your phone number in case there are any questions about your responses.The census has always been about more than just counting the population. The initial 1790 questionnaire asked for the name of the head of the family and the number of people living in the home delineated by the following: free white males 16 and older; free white males younger than 16; free white females; all other free people; and slaves.That first survey recorded nearly 4 million people living in the original 13 states plus the districts of Kentucky and Vermont, in addition to the Southwest Territory (we now call it Tennessee). It was a daunting task to count everyone in our sprawling, new nation.While we’ve stopped adding states and territories, counting all 320-plus million of us is still a major undertaking, but it’s been modified for today’s technology.This year will be the first time you can choose to respond online or by phone. If you don’t respond, you’ll receive a paper form to complete and mail back. If you don’t respond in any fashion, there’s a good chance you’ll receive an in-person visit from a census worker sometime between May and July.Up to 10 states could lose federal representatives. Seven are expected to gain congressional seats, led by Texas and Florida with at least three and two seats, respectively. Kansas will likely maintain is delegation of four representatives, but the lines will change.If the past is prelude, Kansas’ 1st&nbsp;Congressional District, which already touches part or all of 63 counties, will become even more expansive as people continue to move east and increasingly live in metro areas.The official count will likely show Kansas’ population grew slowly and steadily between 2010 and now to just a little over 2.9 million. Five counties – Douglas, Johnson, Sedgwick, Shawnee and Wyandotte – account for more than half of our population.That’s a sobering reminder of just how important it is for those of us in the other 100 counties to make sure we’re counted. We only get one chance every decade to say, “I’m here.” In addition to apportionment, it will play a role in state and federal policy through the allotment of tax dollars to hospitals, fire departments, roads and other projects.In short, it’s an opportunity to make sure you count.&nbsp;"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Make it count

<a href="https://hayspost.com/state-farm-weather-window/">For a full look at weather visit the State Farm Weather Window by clicking here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575929617735.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/state-farm-weather-window/">For a full look at weather visit the State Farm Weather Window by clicking here.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583871977915.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Three-day weather outlook

The latest edition of the Monarch Messenger, the student publication produced by Thomas More Prep-Marian Junior High students is available now.

Click <a href="https://tmp-m.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Messenger-February-2020.pdf">HERE</a> to download the latest edition.

TMP-MThe latest edition of the Monarch Messenger, the student publication produced by Thomas More Prep-Marian Junior High students is available now.Click <a href="https://tmp-m.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Messenger-February-2020.pdf">HERE</a> to download the latest edition.

Latest edition of Monarch Messenger published

	Recently, I introduced House Bill 2503, which was part of Governor Kelly’s plan to increase state debt by $4.4 Billion by re-amortizing the Kansas Public Employee Retirement System (KPERS) retirement plan.&nbsp; Also in the bill was a $268.4 Million payment that would make the missed State payments to School and State retirement funds from 2017 and 2019.&nbsp; Our plan was to pass an amendment to strip the Governor’s re-amortization plan from the bill and instead continue down the fiscally responsible path of paying off current debt. &nbsp;

The amendment passed on a bipartisan vote of 125-0 with every Republican and Democrat voting against the Governor’s plan.&nbsp; Besides increasing the state’s pension debt by $4.4 billion, the Governor’s plan would have kicked the can down the road, delaying payoff of the state’s KPERS debt by another 10 years.&nbsp;

HB 2503, as amended, will fully pay the states deferred KPERS obligations, ultimately saving the state $209 million in interest. The bill has been sent to the Senate for consideration.

Sexual extortion was the subject of HB 2546 that I was honored to sponsor with Reps. Stephen Owens, Chris Croft, Renee Erickson, Megan Lynn, Paul Waggoner, and Kellie Warren which was approved by the House this week. In an Internet age, sexual extortion is on the rise. Perpetrators often use the Internet and social media to attempt to extort individuals in a sexual manner.&nbsp; This bill aims to protect Kansans from these types of predators and provide Kansans with proper recourse in situations where they may have been extorted.&nbsp;

This bill would create the crime of sexual extortion, which is defined as threatening to injure the property or reputation of a person, commit violence against a person, or distribute an image or video of a person that is of a sexual nature or depicts a person in a state of nudity. Additionally, it would place any individual convicted of sexual extortion on the Sex Offender Registry if the crime involved a minor. HB 2546 passed the House on a vote of 125-0.&nbsp; The bill has been sent to the Senate for consideration. &nbsp;

More exciting news is the passage of the first bill of many that implements the “Make Kansas Work” program proposed by House Republicans.&nbsp; This week the House overwhelmingly passed HB 2516: legislation enacting First-Time Homebuyers accounts on a bipartisan vote of 123-2. The bill encourages individuals to set aside funds for costs associated with the purchase or construction of a first home. Structured like 529 college savings accounts, contributions to the savings accounts are tax deductible. Communities can also establish the accounts to attract professionals to make the move to their community.&nbsp; During debate on the bill, the House added an amendment to have annual reports made to the Legislature on the implementation and usage of the tax credit provided for in the act.&nbsp; The House also overwhelmingly passed one of the House Republican proposals that establishes savings accounts that can assist individuals and their children and grandchildren in purchasing a first home in Kansas.&nbsp; The bill has been sent to the Senate for consideration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578522379850.jpeg" alt="State Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays" />
 <figcaption>State Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>	Recently, I introduced House Bill 2503, which was part of Governor Kelly’s plan to increase state debt by $4.4 Billion by re-amortizing the Kansas Public Employee Retirement System (KPERS) retirement plan.&nbsp; Also in the bill was a $268.4 Million payment that would make the missed State payments to School and State retirement funds from 2017 and 2019.&nbsp; Our plan was to pass an amendment to strip the Governor’s re-amortization plan from the bill and instead continue down the fiscally responsible path of paying off current debt. &nbsp;The amendment passed on a bipartisan vote of 125-0 with every Republican and Democrat voting against the Governor’s plan.&nbsp; Besides increasing the state’s pension debt by $4.4 billion, the Governor’s plan would have kicked the can down the road, delaying payoff of the state’s KPERS debt by another 10 years.&nbsp;HB 2503, as amended, will fully pay the states deferred KPERS obligations, ultimately saving the state $209 million in interest. The bill has been sent to the Senate for consideration.Sexual extortion was the subject of HB 2546 that I was honored to sponsor with Reps. Stephen Owens, Chris Croft, Renee Erickson, Megan Lynn, Paul Waggoner, and Kellie Warren which was approved by the House this week. In an Internet age, sexual extortion is on the rise. Perpetrators often use the Internet and social media to attempt to extort individuals in a sexual manner.&nbsp; This bill aims to protect Kansans from these types of predators and provide Kansans with proper recourse in situations where they may have been extorted.&nbsp;This bill would create the crime of sexual extortion, which is defined as threatening to injure the property or reputation of a person, commit violence against a person, or distribute an image or video of a person that is of a sexual nature or depicts a person in a state of nudity. Additionally, it would place any individual convicted of sexual extortion on the Sex Offender Registry if the crime involved a minor. HB 2546 passed the House on a vote of 125-0.&nbsp; The bill has been sent to the Senate for consideration. &nbsp;More exciting news is the passage of the first bill of many that implements the “Make Kansas Work” program proposed by House Republicans.&nbsp; This week the House overwhelmingly passed HB 2516: legislation enacting First-Time Homebuyers accounts on a bipartisan vote of 123-2. The bill encourages individuals to set aside funds for costs associated with the purchase or construction of a first home. Structured like 529 college savings accounts, contributions to the savings accounts are tax deductible. Communities can also establish the accounts to attract professionals to make the move to their community.&nbsp; During debate on the bill, the House added an amendment to have annual reports made to the Legislature on the implementation and usage of the tax credit provided for in the act.&nbsp; The House also overwhelmingly passed one of the House Republican proposals that establishes savings accounts that can assist individuals and their children and grandchildren in purchasing a first home in Kansas.&nbsp; The bill has been sent to the Senate for consideration.Proud to serve you.

WASINGER: Keeping promises to teachers

The Hays Area Board of Zoning Appeals will consider setting dates for two public hearings during its meeting tomorrow morning.

The first request comes from Dustin and Laney Roths, owners of Roths Luxury Properties LLC, requesting a Special Use Permit for a Place of Public Assembly at 1102 Main Street. 

A second public hearing date will be set for&nbsp; a request by Standlee H. Dalton for a variance to reduce the front setback from 25 ft. to 7 ft. for a carport at 2307 Oak St. 

The meeting starts at 8:15 a.m. Wednesday in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

The complete March 11 agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03112020-1179">here</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580140238529.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CITY OF HAYSThe Hays Area Board of Zoning Appeals will consider setting dates for two public hearings during its meeting tomorrow morning.The first request comes from Dustin and Laney Roths, owners of Roths Luxury Properties LLC, requesting a Special Use Permit for a Place of Public Assembly at 1102 Main Street. A second public hearing date will be set for&nbsp; a request by Standlee H. Dalton for a variance to reduce the front setback from 25 ft. to 7 ft. for a carport at 2307 Oak St. The meeting starts at 8:15 a.m. Wednesday in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.The complete March 11 agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03112020-1179">here</a>.&nbsp;

Board of Zoning Appeals sets public hearings 

The Hays school board was able to see first hand the damage to the Roosevelt Elementary School heating and cooling system during its meeting on Monday.

Rusty Lindsay, director of building and grounds, showed board members rusted pipes in the boiler room and in the tunnels underneath the school during a tour Monday night.

&nbsp;Integrated Consulting Engineers visited both Hays High School and Roosevelt to do audits of the HVAC systems.&nbsp;

The school district had been planning to replace a portion of the HVAC system at Hays High School.&nbsp;

Portions of the high school heating and cooling system might go down, but Roosevelt is at higher risk for the entire system failing, Lindsay told the board at a previous meeting.

Roosevelt had to be closed for a day earlier this year because a pipe in the HVAC system broke.

The audit of the two schools confirmed Roosevelt's HVAC system is in more dire need of replacement than HHS' system, Lindsay told the board Monday night.

Glassman Corp. said in a letter after its audit the Roosevelt HVAC pipes could rupture at any time and cause major issues and flooding.

"There is nothing in the system that isn't worn out," Lindsay said.

If the school board decides to move forward with the Roosevelt project, engineering plans would be completed this summer and installation of the new system would likely not be started until next summer.

In the meantime, Lindsay said he hoped the district could work with the engineer to patch the system this summer to get the school through at least one more year.

Integrated Consulting Engineers and Glassman are going to continue to work on an analysis of the school district's needs and they plan to submit a report with replacement options and associated costs at the April school board meeting.

Wilson and O'Loughlin Elementary Schools have similar systems, but Lindsay said those systems have been inspected and are not having the same issues with rust as the pipes at Roosevelt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583807721782.jpeg" alt="Hays&nbsp; USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson holds up a piece of pipe from Roosevelt HVAC system." />
 <figcaption>Hays&nbsp; USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson holds up a piece of pipe from Roosevelt HVAC system.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEYHays PostThe Hays school board was able to see first hand the damage to the Roosevelt Elementary School heating and cooling system during its meeting on Monday.Rusty Lindsay, director of building and grounds, showed board members rusted pipes in the boiler room and in the tunnels underneath the school during a tour Monday night.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583807808266.jpeg" alt="A photo showing a damaged pipe in the Roosevelt Elementary School heating and cooling system. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>A photo showing a damaged pipe in the Roosevelt Elementary School heating and cooling system. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Integrated Consulting Engineers visited both Hays High School and Roosevelt to do audits of the HVAC systems.&nbsp;The school district had been planning to replace a portion of the HVAC system at Hays High School.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583808038989.jpeg" alt="Rusty Lindsay, USD 489 buildings and grounds director, shows school board members damaged pipes in the Roosevelt Elementary School heating and cooling system Monday night." />
 <figcaption>Rusty Lindsay, USD 489 buildings and grounds director, shows school board members damaged pipes in the Roosevelt Elementary School heating and cooling system Monday night.</figcaption>
 </figure>Portions of the high school heating and cooling system might go down, but Roosevelt is at higher risk for the entire system failing, Lindsay told the board at a previous meeting.Roosevelt had to be closed for a day earlier this year because a pipe in the HVAC system broke.The audit of the two schools confirmed Roosevelt's HVAC system is in more dire need of replacement than HHS' system, Lindsay told the board Monday night.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583808143134.jpeg" alt="A leaking HVAC pipe at Roosevelt Elementary School. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>A leaking HVAC pipe at Roosevelt Elementary School. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Glassman Corp. said in a letter after its audit the Roosevelt HVAC pipes could rupture at any time and cause major issues and flooding."There is nothing in the system that isn't worn out," Lindsay said.If the school board decides to move forward with the Roosevelt project, engineering plans would be completed this summer and installation of the new system would likely not be started until next summer.In the meantime, Lindsay said he hoped the district could work with the engineer to patch the system this summer to get the school through at least one more year.Integrated Consulting Engineers and Glassman are going to continue to work on an analysis of the school district's needs and they plan to submit a report with replacement options and associated costs at the April school board meeting.Wilson and O'Loughlin Elementary Schools have similar systems, but Lindsay said those systems have been inspected and are not having the same issues with rust as the pipes at Roosevelt.

Audit shows damage to Roosevelt HVAC system

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🎤Post Podcast: The Hays Chamber to launch digital newsletter

 We are back for the remaining weeks of this year’s session. 

Here are some of what t has been going on and some of what is remaining:

Update on Make Kansas Work Proposals

HB 2515: Kansas Promise Act scholarship program. The bill passed the House on February 20 and has been referred to the Senate Education Committee. The bill is set for hearing on Monday, March 9.

HB 2516: First-Time Homebuyers Accounts. Encourages individuals to set aside funds for costs associated with the purchase or construction of a first home. Following overwhelming support in the House, the bill has been referred to the Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee.

HB 2522: Rural Healthcare Innovation Fund. The bill has been heard by the House Appropriations Committee. Discussion and possible action are scheduled for Thursday, March 12.

HB 2416: Kansas Targeted Employment Act. Was heard earlier this month in House Commerce, Labor, and Economic Development Committee. Discussion and possible action are scheduled for Tuesday, March 10.

HB 2542: Social Security Exemption Increase. Creating tax relief for Kansas seniors by raising the exemption for senior citizens receiving Social Security from $75,000 to $100,000 in annual income. The bill has been heard by the House Taxation Committee.

Governor’s Executive Reorganization Orders (EROs)

During the month of February, House Committees held hearings and took action on all three of Governor Kelly’s EROs. Under House rules, committees have 15 days to consider an ERO. The full House or Senate can reject the ERO, which nullifies it; both chambers can implement the ERO with identical amendments; or either chamber can choose to do nothing, which results in the ERO going into effect on July 1. House resolutions regarding each of the EROs have been placed on the House calendar for the full House to take up consideration. 

 Both chambers have until March 30th to act on these measures. 

• The Governor’s proposed ERO #44 would take three existing operations and merge them into one large $2.9 billion state agency. Specifically, the Kansas Department for Children and Families, Department for Aging and Disability Services, and all functions related to juvenile services under the Department of Corrections would be combined into a newly-created Kansas Department of Human Services. 

• These agencies handle some of the state’s most important work, including oversight of our foster care system, services and reform for at-risk juveniles, and services for Kansas seniors. Given the number of concerns that have not yet been resolved, including foster children sleeping on office floors, it is difficult to see how those issues would receive the attention they deserve and not get lost in the shuffle of a larger agency. 

• There are also concerns about whether a behemoth agency handling all social services would become even more cumbersome for Kansans to navigate. 

• The Governor’s administration has indicated there would be no cost-savings in creation of a combined agency. Without cost-savings or efficiencies to point to, there doesn’t seem to be justification for a change that would create a larger government agency for children, their families and seniors to navigate. 

• The House Appropriations Committee’s recommendation is to disapprove the ERO, HR 6032. 

• The Governor’s proposed ERO #45 would transfer the state employee health benefits plan and the state workers compensation self-insurance fund from the Department of Health and Environment to the Department of Administration. 

• This transition was recommended as part of the Alvarez and Marsal Efficiency Study as a more efficient and cost-conscious way of administering these two functions. 

• House General Government Committee’s recommendation is to approve the ERO, HR 6034. 

• The Governor’s proposed ERO #46 would create a Kansas Energy Office and remove those responsibilities from energy division of the Kansas Corporation Commission.  

• Mechanisms are already in place for handling energy policy and operations without duplicating efforts and creating a new government office. The Legislature has the ability to create a state energy plan, which was a recommendation that came out of the recent London Economics utility rate study. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581437228209.jpeg" alt="Rep. Ken Rahjes (R-Agra, 110th Dist." />
 <figcaption>Rep. Ken Rahjes (R-Agra, 110th Dist.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hello from Topeka! We are back for the remaining weeks of this year’s session. Here are some of what t has been going on and some of what is remaining: Update on Make Kansas Work Proposals HB 2515: Kansas Promise Act scholarship program. The bill passed the House on February 20 and has been referred to the Senate Education Committee. The bill is set for hearing on Monday, March 9. HB 2516: First-Time Homebuyers Accounts. Encourages individuals to set aside funds for costs associated with the purchase or construction of a first home. Following overwhelming support in the House, the bill has been referred to the Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee. HB 2522: Rural Healthcare Innovation Fund. The bill has been heard by the House Appropriations Committee. Discussion and possible action are scheduled for Thursday, March 12. HB 2416: Kansas Targeted Employment Act. Was heard earlier this month in House Commerce, Labor, and Economic Development Committee. Discussion and possible action are scheduled for Tuesday, March 10. HB 2542: Social Security Exemption Increase. Creating tax relief for Kansas seniors by raising the exemption for senior citizens receiving Social Security from $75,000 to $100,000 in annual income. The bill has been heard by the House Taxation Committee. Governor’s Executive Reorganization Orders (EROs) During the month of February, House Committees held hearings and took action on all three of Governor Kelly’s EROs. Under House rules, committees have 15 days to consider an ERO. The full House or Senate can reject the ERO, which nullifies it; both chambers can implement the ERO with identical amendments; or either chamber can choose to do nothing, which results in the ERO going into effect on July 1. House resolutions regarding each of the EROs have been placed on the House calendar for the full House to take up consideration. Both chambers have until March 30th to act on these measures. Department of Human Services • The Governor’s proposed ERO #44 would take three existing operations and merge them into one large $2.9 billion state agency. Specifically, the Kansas Department for Children and Families, Department for Aging and Disability Services, and all functions related to juvenile services under the Department of Corrections would be combined into a newly-created Kansas Department of Human Services. • These agencies handle some of the state’s most important work, including oversight of our foster care system, services and reform for at-risk juveniles, and services for Kansas seniors. Given the number of concerns that have not yet been resolved, including foster children sleeping on office floors, it is difficult to see how those issues would receive the attention they deserve and not get lost in the shuffle of a larger agency. • There are also concerns about whether a behemoth agency handling all social services would become even more cumbersome for Kansans to navigate. • The Governor’s administration has indicated there would be no cost-savings in creation of a combined agency. Without cost-savings or efficiencies to point to, there doesn’t seem to be justification for a change that would create a larger government agency for children, their families and seniors to navigate. • The House Appropriations Committee’s recommendation is to disapprove the ERO, HR 6032. Employee Health Plan Shift • The Governor’s proposed ERO #45 would transfer the state employee health benefits plan and the state workers compensation self-insurance fund from the Department of Health and Environment to the Department of Administration. • This transition was recommended as part of the Alvarez and Marsal Efficiency Study as a more efficient and cost-conscious way of administering these two functions. • House General Government Committee’s recommendation is to approve the ERO, HR 6034. Governor’s Energy Office • The Governor’s proposed ERO #46 would create a Kansas Energy Office and remove those responsibilities from energy division of the Kansas Corporation Commission. • Mechanisms are already in place for handling energy policy and operations without duplicating efforts and creating a new government office. The Legislature has the ability to create a state energy plan, which was a recommendation that came out of the recent London Economics utility rate study. • This proposal would also interject partisan politics into our state’s energy operations by placing a gubernatorial appointee in charge of the proposed new division. • The House Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunications Committee’s recommendation is to disapprove the ERO, HR 6031. When you come to Topeka during the session, my office is in Room: 149-S. My phone number is (785) 296-7463 and email is: ken.rahjes@house.ks.gov and you can always try my cell number at (785) 302-8416. I look forward to seeing you around the 110th District. It is my honor to be your representative.

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